The Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer is a game-changing machine that combines lightning fast print speeds with exceptional print quality & versatility. With its fully enclosed printing chamber, automatic bed leveling, and advanced input shaping, the Bambu Lab P1S delivers smooth and detailed prints even at breakneck speeds. The optional Automatic Material System (AMS) unlocks the ability to print in up to 16 colors, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists, educators & professionals alike. While the proprietary ecosystem & potential filament waste may be drawbacks for some users, the P1S offers an unparalleled user experience and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D printing.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer, a cutting-edge machine that promises to redefine the 3D printing experience.
Key Features and Functionalities
Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm (10 x 10 x 10 inches)
Printing Resolution: Up to 50 microns
Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PC, PVA, PET
Dual Extrusion Capabilities: Optional Automatic Material System (AMS) for up to 16-color printing
Enclosed Printing Chamber
Heated Build Plate
Automatic Bed Leveling
Filament Run-out Sensor
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Blazing Speed: With a top speed of 500 mm/s and an acceleration of 20,000 mm/s², the Bambu Lab P1S offers lightning-fast print times without compromising quality.
- Excellent Print Quality: The enclosed printing chamber, advanced input shaping, and vibration compensation ensure exceptional print quality with smooth surfaces and intricate details.
- User-Friendly Experience: Automatic bed leveling and straightforward setup make the Bambu Lab P1S accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Versatile Material Compatibility: The P1S can handle a wide range of materials, from standard filaments like PLA and PETG to advanced materials like ASA and Nylon.
- Multicolor Printing: The optional Automatic Material System (AMS) allows for up to 16-color printing, enabling users to create vibrant and realistic models.
Weaknesses:
- Noise Level: Like many high-speed 3D printers, the Bambu Lab P1S can be relatively noisy during operation.
- Proprietary Parts: Replacement parts and consumables must be purchased directly from Bambu Lab, which may limit flexibility for some users.
- Filament Waste: The AMS system can produce a significant amount of filament waste during color changes, which may be a concern for users focused on sustainability.
- Learning Curve: While user-friendly, the P1S’s advanced features and software may require some time to master for novice users.
Comparison to Similar Models
The Bambu Lab P1S can be compared to other high-performance 3D printers like the Prusa MK4 and the FLSun V400. While the Prusa MK4 is known for its exceptional print quality and reliability, the P1S offers faster print speeds and the option for multicolor printing with the AMS system. The FLSun V400, on the other hand, has a larger build volume but lacks the enclosed printing chamber and automatic bed leveling features of the P1S.
Comparison Chart:
| Feature | Bambu Lab P1S | Prusa MK4 | FLSun V400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 250 x 210 x 210 mm | 400 x 400 x 500 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s | Up to 200 mm/s | Up to 150 mm/s |
| Acceleration | 20,000 mm/s² | N/A | N/A |
| Dual Extrusion | Optional AMS (up to 16 colors) | No | No |
| Heated Chamber | Yes | No | Partially Enclosed |
| Auto Bed Leveling | Yes | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB | Wi-Fi, USB | USB |
| Price | $699 (Base), $949 (AMS Combo) | $1,099 | $599 |
Target Audience and Applications
The Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer is an excellent choice for a wide range of users, including:
- Hobbyists and Makers: With its ease of use and multicolor printing capabilities, the Bambu Lab P1S is perfect for hobbyists who want to explore their creativity and bring their imaginative designs to life.
- Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: The high print quality, speed, and material versatility make the P1S an ideal tool for rapid prototyping, creating custom parts, and developing products.
- Educators and Students: The Bambu Lab P1S can serve as an educational tool for teaching design, engineering principles, and hands-on learning in STEM subjects.
- Professional Designers and Engineers: With its advanced features and ability to handle engineering-grade materials, the P1S can cater to the demanding needs of professional designers and engineers.
Common applications for the Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer include:
- Printing figurines, toys, and collectibles
- Creating architectural models and scale prototypes
- Developing functional prototypes and custom parts
- Educational models for teaching and learning
- Producing artistic sculptures and decor pieces
Unique Features
The Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer stands out with several unique features that set it apart from competitors:
- Automatic Material System (AMS): With its ease of use and multicolor printing capabilities, the Bambu Lab P1S is perfect for hobbyists who want to explore their creativity & bring their imaginative designs to life.
- Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: The high print quality, speed, and material versatility make the P1S an ideal tool for rapid prototyping, creating custom parts & developing products.
- Self-Leveling Technology: The automatic bed leveling system ensures a perfect first layer and eliminates the need for manual adjustments, streamlining the printing process.
- Advanced Input Shaping: This feature compensates for vibrations and resonances, resulting in high-quality prints even at lightning-fast speeds.
Software Compatibility and Connectivity
The Bambu Lab P1S is compatible with the proprietary Bambu Studio slicer software, which offers a user-friendly interface and advanced features for optimizing prints. The software supports third-party slicers like Cura and PrusaSlicer, but certain advanced features may not be available.
In terms of connectivity, the Bambu Lab P1S offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to wirelessly transfer files and monitor print progress remotely. It also supports USB connectivity for transferring files via microSD card.
Bambu Studio Slicer Software:
The Bambu Lab P1S is compatible with the proprietary Bambu Studio slicer software, which offers a user-friendly interface and advanced features for optimizing prints. The software is based on PrusaSlicer and will feel familiar to Prusa users, but with a sleek and modern design.
One of the standout features of Bambu Studio is its intuitive tool for coloring prints. This simple yet powerful painting program allows users to digitally “paint” their models with different colors, making it easy to plan & visualize multi-color prints before sending them to the printer.
The software also includes a project manager that enables users to save complex builds as a single 3mf file, which can include multiple build plates, photos, and a bill of materials – perfect for sharing & collaborating on projects.
Bambu Studio seamlessly integrates with the Bambu Lab P1S printer, allowing users to send files wirelessly via Wi-Fi, monitor print progress through the built-in camera, and remotely adjust print speed and temperature settings.
Pricing:
The Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer is available in two configurations:
- Bambu P1S: $699 USD
- Includes: P1S printer, stainless steel hotend, build plate, Bambu PLA filament, unclogging pin tool, power cable, accessory box
- Bambu P1S Combo: $949 USD
- Includes: P1S printer, stainless steel hotend, build plate, Bambu PLA filament, unclogging pin tool, power cable, accessory box, Bambu Lab AMS (Automatic Material System), spare filament cutter, Bambu Bus cables, additional Bambu PLA filament
The optional Automatic Material System (AMS) for multicolor printing can be purchased separately for $349 USD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing fast print speeds up to 500mm/s
- Excellent print quality with smooth surfaces and fine details
- Automatic bed leveling for hassle-free setup
- Versatile material compatibility including engineering-grade filaments
- Optional Automatic Material System (AMS) for multicolor printing
- Fully enclosed printing chamber for high-temperature materials
- User-friendly software and remote monitoring capabilities
Cons:
- Relatively noisy operation compared to some other printers
- Proprietary parts and consumables can limit flexibility
- AMS system can lead to significant filament waste during color changes
- Steeper learning curve for mastering advanced features
- Higher upfront cost compared to entry-level 3D printers
:Specifications Chart:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Printing Technology | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm (10 x 10 x 10 inches) |
| Printing Resolution | Up to 50 microns |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PC, PVA, PET |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4 mm (0.2 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm optional) |
| Heated Build Plate | Yes, up to 100°C |
| Bed Leveling | Automatic |
| Filament Run-out Sensor | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB (microSD card) |
| Slicer Software | Bambu Studio (supports third-party slicers) |
| Maximum Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Maximum Acceleration | 20,000 mm/s² |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed with HEPA filter |
| Dimensions | 389 x 389 x 457 mm (15.3 x 15.3 x 18 inches) |
| Weight | 12.95 kg (28.5 lbs) |
| Price | $699 (Base), $949 (AMS Combo) |
Conclusion:
The Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer is a high-performance option in the world of 3D printing. With its blazing speed, exceptional print quality & advanced features like the Automatic Material System (AMS), the P1S caters to a wide range of users, from hobbyists and educators to professional designers & engineers.
While it comes with a premium price tag, starting at $699 for the base model and $949 for the combo with AMS, the Bambu Lab P1S offers exceptional print speed and quality, versatility & ease of use that justifies the investment for those seeking the ultimate 3D printing experience.
Whether you’re creating intricate figurines, functional prototypes & educational models, the Bambu Lab P1S is poised to become the go-to choice for those who prioritize speed, quality & advanced features in their 3D printing endeavors.
:FAQs:
What is the calibration process for the Bambu Lab P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S features an automatic bed leveling system, eliminating the need for manual calibration. However, it’s recommended to run a bed leveling check before each print for optimal results.
What filaments are recommended for the Bambu Lab P1S?
The P1S is compatible with a wide range of filaments, including PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PC, PVA, and PET. Bambu Lab offers its own line of high-quality filaments optimized for the P1S.
How do I troubleshoot common printing issues?
The P1S features an intuitive error code system that links to Bambu Lab’s knowledge base, providing video tutorials and step-by-step guides for troubleshooting common printing issues.
Can the P1S print with abrasive filaments like carbon fiber or glass fiber?
While the P1S is not recommended for direct printing with abrasive filaments out of the box, Bambu Lab offers upgrades such as hardened gears and nozzles to enable printing with these materials.
How does the P1S handle power outages or print failures?
The P1S features a power loss recovery system that allows it to resume printing from the point of interruption in case of a power outage or print failure, minimizing material waste & ensuring successful completion of prints.
Nikko Jenkins is a technology journalist based in the US, covering tool reviews and comparisons across North America, Europe and Asia, particularly 3D Printers. His concise, insightful articles on the latest innovations help readers worldwide make informed tech decisions. Jenkins’ expertise and engaging style have made him a respected voice in the global technology landscape.
Feel free to reach out to me at nikkojenkins@360techinsights.com.
